Faroe Islands Gaining New University Built From Mass Timber

The Faroe Islands is a Danish autonomous territory located in the North Atlantic that often experiences rapidly changing and challenging weather, which can limit outdoor activity.

To that end, Henning Larsen Architects has been commissioned to design the new university and has made the weather concern the key focus of university project, according to a feature by New Atlas (7-31-23). The firm has used computer modeling to calculate the shape of the building, creating a sheltered microclimate.

New Atlas says the building will be constructed from a mixture of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated timber (glulam). It will also be covered in turf, which will help insulate the interior as well as enabling it to blend in with the local traditional architecture.

The timber building is being inspired by traditional local construction techniques and will feature a carefully designed overall form that Henning Larsen says will shelter students and faculty from the weather’s extremes, and yet enable them to enjoy the outdoors in the immediate vicinity for 150 days more than usual.


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